On January 9th, I lost a special friend. I lost Maggie, my Irish Terrier. Her health had been in decline for a while and it took a turn for the worse early in the New Year. Maggie was fourteen years old and had lived a long, full, and happy life.
Maggie was more than a pet dog. She was a loyal companion and friend, but most of all she was a member of our family. Maggie was born in Cawston, British Columbia on November 16, 2003. She came from a long line of award-winning show dogs, but the dog show circuit would not be for her. Instead, Maggie came to live with us in Crowsnest Pass. She loved it here and would not have wanted it any other way.
Maggie at eleven weeks, catching a wink
Ever since Maggie was a puppy, she enjoyed coming to work with me, and except for the busy summer months, she rarely missed a day. She met a lot of people here over the years and made many friends. It was in the shop, where as a puppy in training, she learned to shake-a-paw, roll over, and do other popular dog tricks. At the end of each work day, Maggie would chase and pounce on the wet, soapy mop, as I washed the floor. If I moved a floor runner, she would attack it, playfully.
High in the hills of Crowsnest Pass
Maggie liked to do other things, too, like going for long day-trips with me in the mountains. We saw a lot of things together and went to a lot of interesting places. Many of the photos on my website were taken with her at my side. She would never stray far and was very patient while I was taking pictures. Walks around the neighborhood were a daily occurrence (weather permitting) and continued until her last day. Something else Maggie enjoyed was playing fetch with her Frisbee. Often, she would tease me by making me walk the last couple feet to take the Frisbee from her, before turning and running away with it. Eventually, she would return and give the Frisbee back to me. Maybe she was trying to teach me a thing or two?
Fishing on Lees Lake
Sometimes, Maggie and I would go fishing together on my pontoon boat out on the lake. Although she was a good swimmer, I always insisted she wore a life jacket. I knew she didn’t like wearing it, but she never complained – not even once.
A favorite spot in front of the fireplace
Like a lot of dogs, Maggie loved to go for vehicle rides. All I would have to do was jingle the truck keys and she would be at the front door, waiting for me to put on my jacket. She would let out a bark and her tail would be wagging frantically, letting me know she was ready to go. And we went everywhere together.
Maggie’s 14th birthday in the shop this past November
Over the years, Maggie gave me so much more than I was able to give her in return. If I was having a bad day, she was always there to cheer me up and keep me company. She never had a bad day, until the very end when she became ill. Now, it was time for Maggie to leave our family. We will miss her.
Yesterday morning, while on my way to work, I picked up Maggie’s ashes from the vet clinic. She was able to spend one final day with me at the shop.
Maggie and me
14 Comments
Vic; So sorry to hear about Maggie. I always enjoyed seeing her at the fly shop…dogs are so special!
robert
Hi Robert,
Maggie was always happy to see you stop by the shop. She wasn’t here a lot in recent months. Not that she wouldn’t have come, but she was more comfortable at home as of late. She did come here, though, for a few hours every week or two, and spent her last birthday working with me in the shop. That was special. Thanks for your message.
Dear Vic and Carol,
Was saddened to hear of Maggie’s passing. Your eulogy touched many hearts. Thank you for sharing your memories.
Sincerely,
Sam
Hi Sam,
Nice to hear from you. It will be different not having Maggie around the shop. A lot of our customers liked seeing her here. Hope to see you later this season. Thanks for commenting.
Sorry to hear; always a tough time. Enjoy reliving the memories!
Hi Kurt,
Thanks. I appreciate your comments.
So sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. Every “dog person” knows what you & Carol have been feeling.
Terry
Hi Terry,
It’s something how a dog’s life can impact your life. Maggie was my girl. Thanks.
Hey Vic. Maggie was a sweetie alright. Very sorry to hear this news and I know what a void you will feel for some time to come. Having been there before, I feel your pain and loss. You had wonderful years and times together though and those memories will help a lot. Maggie was a charmer!
Hi Bob,
This was a tough blog to write. Maggie was a sweetie, that’s for sure. I will really miss her. Lots of great memories.
We are sorry to hear about Maggie. She had a good life with you and Carol. Good memories.
Deb/Glen
Hi Deb & Glen,
Thanks. We will miss our walks in Bellevue with you guys and Bowser.
So sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. Dogs really do become part of a family. She will be dearly missed. I was in tears by the end of your touching post as no doubt you were when you were writing it. Will write soon. Diane.
Hi Diane,
Losing Maggie has been tough and there have been tears shed. The last little bit was tough for Maggie too. Letting her go was difficult but it was for the best. It’s always hard, especially when you have raised them from the time they were a puppy. Thanks for your kind words.